VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow Town, hosts artwork from local, national and international artists in five different gallery spaces. Admission is free of charge to all the gallery spaces. There are also a lot of activities to enjoy with various workshops and classes taking place in the building as part of the Learning and Engagement Programme throughout the year.
VISUAL has a theatre which hosts a varied programme of music, comedy, drama, film and dance. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre can seat 335 people, and a full list of events can be viewed on their website or by calling the box office team.
VISUAL was designed by Terry Pawson, a British architect with vast experience in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sector after he won an international architectural competition held by the RIAI. The €18m development is a joint project of Carlow Local Authorities and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Access Programme.
VISUAL also houses a restaurant, Lennons@Visual.
- Autumn / Winter Cinemas at VISUAL
Family funAutumn / Winter Cinemas at VISUAL Autumn nights, Cinema Lights. Cosy into screenings at VISUAL Carlow this Autumn / Winter. Tickets only €7.
- Thanks For The Dance - The Leonard Cohen Story
AutumnThanks For The Dance - The Leonard Cohen Story A show combining Leonard Cohen’s songs, poems, and life stories. Led by singer Robert Doyle, the show has sold out across Ireland.
- CHOP!
AutumnCHOP! A darkly funny, physical show about masculinity, eco-anxiety, and the end of the world—with real axes and lots of laughs.
- Samhain Festival 26 at VISUAL
AutumnSamhain Festival 26 at VISUAL As the ancient festival of Samhain comes to life and the veil between worlds grows thin, expect a spellbinding celebration of folklore, fire and fun.
- Derek Ryan - Songwriter Show
AutumnDerek Ryan - Songwriter Show Joined by Ray McLoughlin and Kane O’Rourke Derek Ryan brings his stripped back acoustic show to VISUAL
Stroll around the 18th century surrounding parklands of Carlow College next door. Pop into the reception on weekdays to view the Carlow Art Collection, housed there permanently.
